ON SOCCER.

Mexican League getting serious

A Bears-type clash between teammates shows that tensions are running high--and the playoffs haven't begun

November 30, 2005|BY LUIS ARROYAVE.

On Monday, Tigres teammates Rogelio Rodriguez and Sebastian Pereyra got into an altercation as a result of Rodriguez's aggressive play on Pereyra during practice, leading to a shoving match on the field and a clash in the locker room that involved Pereyra bringing in a stick he found outside.

If that's what the atmosphere is like in practice, imagine what the Mexican League playoff games are like.

The team with the most goals at the end of two games advances to the second round. Should the two teams have the same number of goals at the end of the series, the higher-ranked team advances. Like the first round, second-round matchups are determined by a highest vs. lowest ranking system.

Here are the matchups:

Wednesday and Saturday

#7 TECOS (7-7-3) VS. #2 MONTERREY (10-2-5)

Last meeting: Tecos won 2-1 on Aug. 21.

Quick look: Their last-minute playoff berth may have saved Tecos coach Eduardo Acevedo's job, but the tournament's dark horse won't have time to pat themselves on the back as they'll face a Monterrey team that is undefeated in its last 13 games.

Prediction: Monterrey

#6 PACHUCA (7-3-7) VS. #3 NECAXA (9-4-4)

Last meeting: Necaxa won 2-1 on Oct. 29.

Quick look: Pachuca allowed the fewest number of goals this season (18) thanks to Colombian goalie Miguel Calero. Necaxa, which for years was known for defense, led the league in scoring with 35 goals even though the team has no players in the top 10 in scoring.

Prediction: Pachuca

Thursday and Sunday

#5 TOLUCA (9-5-3) VS. #4 CRUZ AZUL (9-5-3)

Last meeting: Toluca won 2-1 on Oct. 20.

Quick look: Toluca crushed Chivas' playoff dreams with a 3-0 win during the last game of the regular season and hopes to do the same to Cruz Azul's title dreams. After starting the season strong, Azul has cooled off, winning only two of its last nine.

On the other hand, the team lost only twice in its last eight matches against Toluca.

Prediction: Cruz Azul

#8 TIGRES (6-7-4) VS. #1 AMERICA (12-3-2)

Last meeting: America won 3-1 on July 31.

Quick look: After barely squeaking into the playoffs, Tigres need flawless performances from veteran Claudio Suarez and co-scoring leader Walter Gaitan if they want to play giant killers.

America may be without Oscar Rojas, but unfortunately for Tigres, Kleber and Cuauhtemoc Blanco will still be there.

Prediction: America

Semifinals

No. 2 Monterrey vs. No. 4 Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul will need Francisco Fonseca and Gabriel Pereyra to regain their early-season form to cool down a red-hot Monterrey squad.

Prediction: Cruz Azul

No. 1 America vs. No. 6 Pachuca

Pachuca is clearly overmatched by America's front line and will depend on Nelson Cuevas to create an attack.

Prediction: America

Championship

No. 4 Cruz Azul vs. No. 1 America

With only three No. 1 seeds winning the title in the last 18 seasons, can America break the curse, or will Azul's well-coached squad knock off the defending champions?

Like the cigarettes he smokes on the sideline, Azul coach Ruben Omar Romano puts out America's title hopes and wins his first Mexican League title thanks to his squad's superior ball-control skills and a reborn attack.